Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
1525–50K
2150–75K
1375–100K
19100–150K
5150K+
82 reports with mileage · 21 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
103 reports
86,000 miles · Oct 26, 2011
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED DURING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED DURING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #10432932
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL SENSOR GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY DEPICT HOW MUCH GASOLINE IS IN THE TANK. WHEN I FILL UP THE TANK IT REMAINS ON "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. THE GAUGE WILL FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN AND NEVER GO ALL THE WAY TO "F". I AM VERY UPSET THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SO PREVALENT YET GM WILL ONLY COVER 50% OF THE EXPENSES…
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THE FUEL SENSOR GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY DEPICT HOW MUCH GASOLINE IS IN THE TANK. WHEN I FILL UP THE TANK IT REMAINS ON "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. THE GAUGE WILL FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN AND NEVER GO ALL THE WAY TO "F". I AM VERY UPSET THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SO PREVALENT YET GM WILL ONLY COVER 50% OF THE EXPENSES. IT IS UNSAFE TO NOT KNOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN ONE'S VEHICLE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10432861
75,000 miles · Sep 6, 2011
Fuel System, Other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR READ ZERO DESPITE THE FUEL TANK BEING EMPTY OR FULL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED DURING THE FAILURE THE LOW LEVEL LIGHT INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR READ ZERO DESPITE THE FUEL TANK BEING EMPTY OR FULL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED DURING THE FAILURE THE LOW LEVEL LIGHT INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,376.
NHTSA ODI #10423889
105,000 miles · Aug 30, 2011
Fuel System, Other
FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AFTER TANK HAS BEEN FILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10422702
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE SENSOR MALFUNCTION. CORRECT FUEL LEVEL NOT INDICATED ON INTERIOR OF VEHICLE. READS AS ALWAYS EMPTY. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10417730
60,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS PROVIDING INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL READINGS. WHEN REFUELING TO MAXIMUM CAPACITY, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD READ THE FUEL TANK AS EMPTY OR HALF FULL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED OF AN OPEN INV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS PROVIDING INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL READINGS. WHEN REFUELING TO MAXIMUM CAPACITY, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD READ THE FUEL TANK AS EMPTY OR HALF FULL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED OF AN OPEN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT TOLD WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 8/30/11 *CN UPDATED 09/28/11
NHTSA ODI #10417011
51,000 miles · Jul 25, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
MALFUNCTION OF FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009, THE FUEL GAUGE IN OUR 2005 BUICK RAINIER BEGAN REGISTERING EMPTY AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING TO DO WITH A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING WITH GM VEHICLE OF THIS TYPE IN…
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MALFUNCTION OF FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009, THE FUEL GAUGE IN OUR 2005 BUICK RAINIER BEGAN REGISTERING EMPTY AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING TO DO WITH A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING WITH GM VEHICLE OF THIS TYPE INCLUDE THE RAINIER, BLAZER, JIMMY AND SO. I BELIEVE THIS IS SYSTEMATIC PROBLEM THROUGH THIS FAMILY OF VEHICLES AND IS DANGEROUS AS THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT ACCURATELY READ THE FUEL LEVEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10415094
63,000 miles · Jul 14, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
GAS GAUGE FAILED READS LESS THAN 1/8 TANK. WARNING FOR LOW FUEL ALARM COMES ON EVEN AFTER FULL FILL-UP. CHECK EMISSION LIGHT PERIODICALLY TURNS ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10412356
30,000 miles · Jul 9, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
NO GAS GAUGE, IT READS EMPTY EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. LOW FUEL LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, AND WHEN I AM TRULY GETTING LOW ON FUEL, IT MAY BOUNCE TO AN AREA BETWEEN E AND 1/4 TANK MARK. I AM HAVING TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE MILES I DRIVE AND HOPE THAT THE MPG AT 15.9 IS ACCURATE SINCE NOTHING ELSE SEEMS TO BE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10411598
43,400 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THIS JUST STARTED WITH MY LAST FILL UP OF GAS. THE GAUGE IS STARTING TO GO UP AND DOWN. NOT SURE IF GAS GAUGE IS CORRECT. *TR
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3
RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
PE11014 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Apr 25, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
DP10001 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Jan 7, 2010 · Closed May 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
2005 Buick Rainier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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